Rostov-On-Don, Russia (PANA) - Uruguay and Russia on Wednesday qualified for the knock-out stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia after the South Americans beat Saudi Arabia 1-0 in their second Group A match played at Rostov Arena, Rostov-On-Don.

Luis Suarez scored the only goal for Uruguay in the 23rd minute when the Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais misjudged a corner floated in and rushed out of his posts leaving the Barcelona striker free to knock the ball into an empty net.

The Saudis had more possession (53%) but could not breach the iron-clad Uruguay defence.

Wednesday's result settled the question of which two teams will proceed to the next round and the two that will leave Russia after the third and final Group A matches.

While Russia and Uruguay (six points each) proceed, Egypt and Saudi Arabia (no point each) crash out. Egypt and Saudi Arabia will be playing for pride while free-scoring Russia meet Uruguay in the final group match.

With Wednesday's results, two of Africa's five representatives - Egypt and Morocco - have failed at the first hurdle. Portugal beat Morocco 1-0 in their second Group B match to send the North Africans packing.

Two other African countries who lost their first matches - Nigeria and Tunisia - are in danger of following suit. The fifth country, Senegal beat Poland 2-1 in their first Group H match on Tuesday.
-0- PANA MA 20June2018